Outfits for Family Photos: Easy Tips
As a family photographer, parents always ask me for outfit advice before their portrait session. "What should we wear? How do I coordinate everyone's looks?" I totally get it - family photos are such a meaningful investment, you want to look and feel amazing!
Over the years, I've figured out some foolproof outfit formulas that take the stress out of planning while ensuring you get those timeless, frameable photos you'll treasure forever. My top tip? Keep it simple! With just a few easy guidelines, you can pull together stylish yet laidback, picture-perfect looks for the whole crew.
Start With One Standout Piece
Instead of getting overwhelmed staring at everyone's closets, start by choosing one outfit you absolutely love on someone. Is it that gorgeous floral maxi dress that flatters mom's figure? Those tan chinos that really make dad's eyes pop? Whoever's look sparks the most joy - build from there! Use the colors and vibe of that standout piece to inspire the rest of the family's outfits.
Create a Fresh Color Palette
With your favorite look as the jumping-off point, start coordinating the rest of the family's outfits around 3-5 complementary hues. You can't go wrong with breezy neutral shades like creams, tans, grays and whites. Or incorporate 2-3 richer accent colors pulled from a pattern or print you love.
The key is balancing those deeper tones with plenty of soft, breathable neutrals so the overall palette feels vibrant yet cohesive. Don't be afraid to mix in hints of pastel too - those pretty pops add such lovely brightness!
Elevate With Effortless Textures
To really make those photo outfits shine, I adore incorporating pieces with gorgeous textural details like chunky knits, lace accents, embroidery and flowy fabrics. These dimensional elements create stunning visual interest and depth while lending an effortless, lived-in feel that photographs beautifully.
Think fluttery midi skirts, cozy cable-knit sweaters, distressed denim jackets - those kinds of rustic, textured layers imbue so much warmth and character! Just be careful not to overwhelm with too many competing patterns and prints.
Prioritize Comfy Classics
Most importantly, you want the whole family feeling 100% like themselves during our session. That's when those joyful, glowing expressions really shine! So aim for outfits that allow easy movement for playtime, snuggles and exploring scenic backdrops.
Stretchy, breathable fabrics are key - this isn't the time for restrictive materials or fussy pieces. Easygoing, comfortable classics are perfect. That way, kids especially can let their fun personalities take center stage instead of feeling fussy.
Don't forget functional touches like warm layers for chilly days and accessories like hair clips, belts and simple jewelry for a polished touch.
The Sweet Spot
Your outfits should strike that sweet spot between timeless and trendy, polished and laidback, cohesive yet vibrant. You'll look put-together while also feeling comfortable and ready for candid moments. Basically, the ideal outfit formulas for showcasing your unique family's one-of-a-kind beauty and connections!
So don't stress - just start with those pieces you feel most confident in, build out a fresh color story, and add in dimensional textural elements. Keep it lightweight and low-fuss so you can soak up every joyful second together. Before you know it, you'll be ready to make magic in front of my camera!
Let me know if you need any other outfit tips or advice as you plan. I'm always here to help ensure our session is an amazing experience from start to finish!